Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Beitza

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 40.

Enjoying the sacred time of the festival is influenced by the spaces we inhabit. How far can we stretch the boundaries of space and still share a common experience? By applying the criterion of space to measure availability of animals for Yom Tov use – the topic of “muqtzeh” – the tractate returns to the topic it started with on page 2. But it does not really achieve closure.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 39.

We examine the use of materials on festivals that may be available to many people, each going their own way. Do we apply any notions of ownership to such things as a flame or a natural source of flowing water? When we find something that is ownerless, can we assign it to someone else’s ownership?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 38.

The concept of “breirah” – do we accept a notion of predestination? Defending the rights of persons – in theory and in practice – the difference between a talmudic dictum and an episode in the study hall.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 37.

How much leeway do we grant with regard to restrictions on activities during a festival? What counts as an extenuating circumstance? And another case of competing claims: One person wants to study and one person wants to party, and they only have one shirt between them – what to do?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 36.

We examine the relative values of human dignity, property values and the sacred atmosphere of Shabbat and Yom Tov. When such values come into conflict, which must make way before the other? The Talmud relates a story of an idealistic student and a pragmatic teacher. Who is right?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 35.

We explore some legal implications that may follow from the power of sacred time of Shabbat. Hillel’s unique position in this regard.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 34.

In order to create a special holiday experience we take into consideration appearances, thoughts and intentions, as well as actions. How much should we worry about things going wrong? How seriously should we take the thoughts of children?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 33.

How many ways can wood be put to use? Are they all appropriate for the holiday? What are the broad considerations that the Sages took seriously when limiting activities on Yom Tov? How definitive are the legal determinations of the Talmud?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 32.

This daf recounts some interesting aggadic teachings of Rav Natan bar Abba, including what the nature of one’s character should be in order to be considered a true descendent of Abraham, and what types of behavior will lead one to live an unsatisfying life.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 31.

Can one make a hole in a house on יום טוב? Is the ruling here different than the ruling for how one should behave on שבת? This daf deals with the question of making a hole as a means to ultimately discuss the bigger question of distinction in practice on יום טוב and שבת.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.